The Rapids on Tuesday signed towering French central defender Julien Baudet, formally of England’s Crewe Alexandra.

Baudet, 30, has been working out with the Rapids since last week and was given a name plate and place in the locker room, but he will not be able to play for the club until the international transfer window opens July 15.

If his paperwork clears Major League Soccer, he will join the Rapids.

Baudet, who was at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park for Colorado’s 1-1 draw with FC Dallas on June 24, is 6 feet 3 inches tall and has endeared himself to English fans since 2001 with his physical style.

He fits the mold of player that Rapids coach Gary Smith has favored and gives the team more depth on the back line, something Smith has said was a priority since the start of the season.

The Rapids (5-3-6), who are coming off a 3-0 loss Sunday to the Seattle Sounders — their worst loss of the season — have posted just two shutouts this season.

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